neighbors-1202 february 2012
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THIS ISSUE Camp Bandy Montello FFA Winter Barns Johanna May’s Teas
February 2012 Vol. 2, Issue 2 - $7.95
LIFE-CHANGING 4-H PROJECT GENERATES NEW LIVESTOCK BUSINESS 3-D Angus/Dalton Farms Endeavor, WI
Neighbors Stories of interest from your community!
FEATURE ARTICLES
8 Life-Changing 4-H Project
Jayne Dalton’s cattle business originated in high school.
12 A Bonding Experience
Camp Bandy helps dog owners enhance their relationship with their pet.
20 Solid Participation
Montello FFA has an active base of students involved in all kinds of projects!
30 Still Standing
A photo essay of older and newer barns silhouetted against the winter sky.
COLUMNS 4 Together Thoughts from Jim Faivre, Neighbors’ publisher.
6 Grounded Ruth Johnson, Neighbors’ Editor, reflects on daily life.
26 Day Trips-Over the
River & through the Woods Tea for two as Heather and Ann Marie rediscover the opulent essence of tea.
Neighbors
Table of Contents February 2012, Vol. 2, Issue 2
Eric Mateske (left) and Eric Coddington (right) from the Montello FFA Chapter established their equipment brand preference at an early age but that doesn’t keep either of them from trying to convert the other.
Page 2 Neighbors-February 2012
“Overall, that is why we purchase vehicles from Scaffidi Motors. Their team always works hard to find the vehicle that fits our needs. From a pricing standpoint, they are very competitive,” states T.J. Kennedy, Heartland Farms.
LEFT TO RIGHT: Rich Dunn, Joe Ebben (Scaffidi Trucks), T.J. Kennedy, Kathy Staack (Scaffidi Motors), Carl Phillips & Wes Meddaugh with some of Heartland Farm’s trucks from Scaffidi.
Stevens Point, WI (888) 414-4629 Tomahawk, WI (866) 978-1347
Who knew donkeys could serve the role of “guard dogs”?
Our feature story about 3-D Angus, the livestock business that evolved from Jayne Dalton’s 4-H/FFA projects, uncovered a fascinating tip for pastured herd or flock protection. Donkeys’ exceptional hearing, keen nose and excellent vision help them detect intruders. They investigate disturbances and pursue predators or intruders. Aggressively braying and baring their teeth, they chase, kick and bite dogs, coyotes and other predators. Some donkeys will even go after deer, bears, strange livestock, humans and other intruders in a similar fashion. Donkeys share similar requirements to livestock for feed, water and shelter. This spring, I am planning to add an orchard, beehives and some Bantam chickens on my property. You know, a donkey might just be the perfect all-purpose security/protection system! I hope you discover your own “eye-openers” in this issue. As one of the few people who will always love winter, the Still Standing winter barns article is one of my favorites. Thank you for all your thoughts and comments!
Above: Jayne Dalton’s donkey, Cletus, keeps a close eye on the territory, making sure there are no trespassers. Bottom: The Dalton’s Black Angus cattle are magnificent animals, up close or out in the pasture. They ‘almost’ make me want to raise my own cattle.
Happy trails and blue skies for all!
Jim Faivre
Publisher, Neighbors
Together
Page 4 Neighbors-February 2012
EDITOR, PHOTOGRAPHER, DESIGN & PRODUCTION CIRCULATION & WEB MANAGEMENT Ruth Johnson
[email protected] 715-347-3755 www.journeywi.com
Grounded
Page 6 Neighbors-February 2012
Sears and Roebuck was a very important part of my life
growing up. I could not wait until it came in the mail and spent hours poring over all the new fabrics since my mother sewed most of our clothes. Store-bought clothes were for church and special occasions. The catalog was my connection to my dreams. I wanted to be a fashion designer and would pore over all the new clothes and memorize every nuance. A journey to Cal, Joanne and Jayne (pictured above) Dalton’s farm, for our feature article on Jayne’s Black Angus business, reminded me of the Sears & Roebuck catalog because the farmstead’s original barn (shown behind us), was a kit from one of Sears & Roebuck’s early catalogs! I knew Sears & Roebuck sold kit homes but never realized they sold anything as ambitious as a kit barn! I used a photo of the barn for the cover of my winter barns photo essay, page 30, of this issue. The world sure has changed. Catalogs are no longer a one-stop source department store for rural living and most, like magazines, have transformed themselves into an online format. Thank you for reading Neighbors online and in print. As always, email me with your thoughts!
Warm regards,
Ruth Johnson Editor, Neighbors Magazine
Neighbors
Old World Charm Taste beyond compare!
At family owned Ski’s, quality knows no bounds and you receive only the freshest, finest meats, seafood, 100+ Wisconsin cheeses, Boar’s Head deli products and other treats. Ski’s is an experience, not just shopping. When you walk into Ski’s, you know you are somewhere very special. Savor Ski’s famously delicious homemade brats and sausages and the most tender beef, pork and chicken, cut by our expert butchers. In-season seafood refreshed daily – from salmon, halibut and cod to crab legs and lobster! We offer Wisconsin’s finest artisan and master cheese makers with ‘squeaky fresh’ cheese curds on Friday and Saturday. Visit us soon for your good, old-fashioned, neighborly meat market experience! NEW WAUSAU FRANCHISE LOCATION OPEN: Visit 4516 Rib Mountain Dr, Marathon, WI or Contact franchise owner, Craig Wolf, phone (715) 870-2136 or email [email protected].
5370 US Highway 10 E Stevens Point, WI 54482
(715) 344-8484
www.skismeatmarket.com Mon-Fri: 10am–6pm Sat: 9am–6pm Sun: 10am–4pm
Page 8 Neighbors-February 2012
LIFE-CHANGING 4-H PROJECT GENERATES NEW LIVESTOCK BUSINESS 3-D Angus/Dalton Farms Endeavor, WI By Ruth Johnson, Editor Cover Photo by Ruth Johnson
A new direction is exactly where Jayne Dalton’s
seventh-grade 4-H livestock project took her entire family. Cal and Joanne Dalton, Jayne’s parents, previously now located in Endeavor following the construction of a new home on their family farm, own and operate a 2,300-acre corn, soybeans, specialty grains, wheat, oats and hay farm. When Cal was a teen, Cal’s grandfather, Ralph Dalton, retired from raising cattle and moved in with Cal’s parents. Ralph helped Cal start his own small herd of shorthorn beef cows. Once Cal got older and involved in grain farming, he no longer raised livestock but the love of cattle stayed with him. When Jayne was in seventh grade and need to select a 4-H project, Cal and Joanne purchased a dozen commercial cow and calf pairs for her project that would also fulfill the farm’s need for a quick, economical way to get rid of extra hay.
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Opposite Page: Jayne Dalton “coyote-proofs” her herd with her donkey, Cletus, who helps guard against predators. Top: Jayne is silhouetted against the winter sky with some of her herd and the family’s new home in the distance. Middle: As a little girl, Jayne loved spending time in her grandparents’ dairy barn. Right: Cal cares for Jayne’s livestock when she is away at college, including bottle-feeding calves orphaned or abandoned by their mothers. Top & Right photos by Ruth Johnson.
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3-D ANGUS ORIGINS
Like her father, Jayne found herself drawn into the livestock world. In 2003, she formed 3-D Angus, after buying her first Registered Angus heifer, Flower, with funds from 4-H sales. 3-D stands for the three Dalton family members who founded the company: Jayne, Cal and Joanne. Jayne markets the meat on 3-D’s Facebook page, selling it as ‘naturally fed angus beef’ raised in a healthy environment, with no steroids or hormones. “I liked Black Angus cattle so much that we kept adding more breeding stock,” says Jayne. “We retain most heifers for herd growth while steer calves are finished. Currently, we have 200-head and a donkey, who helps guard against predators.” RECOGNITION
In 2009, Jayne won Wisconsin’s State FFA Beef Production-Entrepreneurship Proficiency Award and was the first Pardeeville student since 1997 to become a National FFA competition finalist.
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Top: Jayne worked each summer, shaving and grooming her show cattle. Middle & Bottom: Joanne mentored Jayne during her 4-H years and now helps her manage this successful livestock operation. Joanne is still actively involved in local 4-H and other Ag groups.
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“Through my 4-H/FFA participation, I realized the importance of agriculture,” states Jayne. “That led me to declare majors at UW-River Falls in Animal Science and Political Science. My goal is to be an agricultural lobbyist, supporting the industry.” On campus, Jayne is involved in Phi Mu Sorority, Block and Bridle Club, Alpha Zeta, the Student Senate and has worked the campaign trail for local candidates. Her family cares for the cattle when she is at college, keeping her constantly informed. FAMILY TRAITS Cal and Joanne are both strong advocates for the Ag grain and livestock fields. Cal serves on Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board, United WI Grain Producers, National Corn Growers Association (past Director) boards and is active in other organizations. Joanne, still dynamically involved in local 4-H and Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom groups, enthuses, “It is so rewarding to see the growth our area youth gain through their various projects and activities.”
Top: Jayne trimmed hoofs during her herd management project. Middle: Cal Dalton, 2nd from right, helped successfully promote the need for building a new ethanol plant in Friesland, WI. Bottom: Jayne and Cal‘s lobbying in Washington D.C. for Wisconsin Corn Growers reinforced her desire to be politically active.
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Page 12 Neighbors-February 2012
A BONDING EXPERIENCE ENHANCING YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR DOG Camp Bandy, Amherst Junction Photos & Article by Ruth Johnson, Editor
Communication and understanding
are at the heart of every relationship including the one involving you and your dog. That is the premise behind the training that Camp Bandy provides, whether it is for obedience, agility, herding or daily living essentials. Love of dogs and other animals is what drove Steve and Laurie Bandy, owners of Camp Bandy, to create a center that helps dog owners to be leaders and dogs to be better pets and provides a fun atmosphere in the meantime. According to Laurie, who manages Camp Bandy’s overall needs, "It is always surprising to owners how quickly their dog will respond to our training. The reason it works is because this is a two-way, mutually beneficial learning program.”
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Opposite Page: This agility-training group includes from left to right: Kelly Vodra and K'do, Rainy and Laurie Bandy, Jude and Jared Redfield, Jaina and Linda Redfield. Class sizes vary from about 4-12 participants. Top: Laurie provides Linda Redfield with tips to help Jaina master the seesaw. Middle: Kelly rewards K'do with a treat after successfully completing the section. Bottom: Jared guides Jude through the agility course. Owners run all courses alongside their dogs and communicate closely along the way. Both human and dog get quite a workout.
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Laurie says, “I cannot imagine a better occupation than helping my clients, many of whom are my friends, build rewarding relationship with their dogs.” RESCUE DOGS Many of the dogs that come to Camp Bandy for training are “rescue dogs” purchased from animal shelters, organizations or owners who for various reasons, can no longer keep them. In choosing a rescue dog, you save a dog’s life. If these healthy, lovable dogs are to go unclaimed, they will be scheduled for euthanasia The reward of adopting a rescue dog is not just saving a life. You gain a pet that is a little older and perhaps easier to transition to your home than a new puppy. Jared and Linda Redfield, who actively support the American Belgian Malinois (AMBC) Rescue, have each adopted their own personal pet from the organization.
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Top: Many of the area’s dog clubs host American Kennel Club (AKC) competition events at Camp Bandy. The photos on this page were taken at Camp Bandy for the Belgian Sheepdog Club of America, Inc. All-Breed Agility Trial s. In this photo, Denise Kennedy sets a brisk pace for her Rat Terrier, Pebbles. Left: A contestant congratulates her Miniature Schnauzer on a job well done.
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Jared’s beloved dog, Jude, was literally saved by the organization just barely in time to avoid being gassed to death in a Louisiana animal shelter. The Dog News Examiner covered Jude’s miraculous adoption in an article last April. Grateful to the organization for the many dogs it has saved, Linda Redfield and Laurie Bandy host a Camp Bandy Agility Trial every July that donates all proceeds to ABMC Rescue. SPECIAL SERVICES Training and competitions are not the only services Camp Bandy provides. The facility and its pet-loving staff also offer a clean, safe haven for dogs that need to be temporarily boarded. Dog owners can bring along their pet’s favorite toys and special bedding to ease the temporary environment change. This is especially important with rescue dogs, which have often come from abusive situations.
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Above: People of all ages and all types of dogs participate in the obedience competitions. This is truly exercising both dog and owner. Right: This dog moved surprisingly fast through the agility course and was a real beauty to watch. Running these courses improves the dog’s overall performance and adherence to commands.
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As a graduate of Wisconsin School of Professional Pet Grooming, Laurie is a truly involved professional, who performs exceptional quality grooming services by appointment for any dog breed, mix, age or size. Camp Bandy also features a store full of yummy dog goodies, tempting toys and premier quality training equipment such as martingales, leaders, leashes and other necessities. Their agility products include metal jump cups and hard-to-find PVC joints for build-it-yourself agility equipment that is as easy to build, as it is attractive. Camp Bandy is indeed a one-stop shop for training, competitions and supplies!
Top Left: One of the owners poses with her dog, which is currently ‘staying’ on command. Top Right: Laurie has 68 kennels for animals that need to be boarded. Owners can leave their dogs with their own bedding and toys, if so desired so they have a little bit of home with them. Bottom: Justin Blenker picked up his two dogs that were boarded for the weekend at Camp Bandy. The little tan one was not pleased about posing for a picture but proved to be a good model after all. Some of Camp Bandy’s store wares are nicely displayed behind Justin.
Page 16 Neighbors-February 2012
Featured Print
Buza Barn Stockton, Portage County, WI
Imagine having your own Pete Sanderson Limited Edition print!
Renowned landscape photographer, Pete Sanderson, offers prints from his many faceted collections, which he believes epitomize the unique beauty of Wisconsin. No program enrollment is required. Pete Sanderson will personally print and sign each 11”x14” pigmented ink jet print on cotton paper.
FOR PRICES OR TO ORDER, CALL OR VISIT
Koerten's Fine Framing & Gifts, 2501 Church St, Stevens Point
(715) 341-7773
Prints are available for pickup at Koerten's Fine Framing & Gifts or can be mailed for additional $10.00 to cover shipping and handling.
Pete Sanderson
Pete Sanderson
Page 18 Neighbors-February 2012
SOLID PARTICIPATION! MONTELLO’S ACTIVE FFA By Ruth Johnson, Editor
Enthusiasm knows no bounds when it comes to Katie
Gerlach, fearless leader of Montello’s FFA group and Montello High School Ag Department instructor for the last three years. Agriculture has always played an important role in Katie’s life from her years growing up on a small Marshfield farm to her graduation from UW-River Falls majoring in Agriculture Education and receiving a minor in Horticulture. According to Katie, one of her driving goals through her student programs is to not only get kids involved in their individual projects, but also to teach them real-life skills like welding and animal research. She works hard to train them to be leaders, not just followers.
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Opposite Page: Floats and parades are an important part of every rural community and Montello FFA students created this float for their local Homecoming Parade. Top (Left to Right): Jesse Froseen, Katie Corliss, Grace Sittig, Abbie Swanke, Kody Korb, Michael Reichoff, Eric Mateske, Kayla Dreske and Brandon Bjerke helped run a combined Montello and Westfield FFA petting zoo project. Over 400 elementary students interacted with the FFA members. Bottom: Katie Gerlach, Montello High School Ag Dept. Instructor/FFA Advisor, works hard to get her students involved in innovative projects as well as real life career experiences like learning hands-on how to weld and studying mice for genetic characteristics.
“We are fortunate to have a pretty wonderful community that understands the importance of school-based agriculture programs and fully supports our efforts. We always have lots of volunteers and people generously donate goods and funds."
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Certified as a dual credit teacher through MATC to teach Arc welding, Katie’s welding students earn both high school and tech school credit and become skilled in Arc, oxy- acetylene and torch cutting techniques. Katie’s Small Animal Veterinary Science class counts as a science credit for students. Students learn how to give injections, suture and study the anatomy of body systems. She also maximizes the high school’s greenhouse for her students’ agri-science fair projects/plant sales. Katie is quick to remind everyone that her work is all about the students, many of whom are highlighted in this article. ERIC CODDINGTON Ever since he was a little kid, Eric Coddington, a Junior and son of Brian and Mary Coddington, has loved farm life.
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Top: Eric Coddington operates the family’s John Deere 9660 combine, one of his favorite jobs. Middle: Kody Korb displays a farm attachment he made in Katie’s welding class. Bottom: Eric Coddington raises livestock with his father and has his own herd, too.
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Eric rented 40 acres on his own last year, planting and harvesting the corn crop all by himself and even marketed it on his own. He also has his own herd of four heifers, and five steers, all purebred Angus, feeding and working with these cattle on a daily basis. When he graduates, Eric plans to pursue a Soil Sciences degree, work on a custom harvesting crew out west and then return home to work on the family farm. Eric greatly values FFA, which helped him develop leadership, social and competitive skills. ERIC MATESKE Eric Mateske, a junior, son of Jeff and Judy Mateske, works on the family livestock farm, Never Give Up Acres, which raises beef steers from newborn to market weight. He cleans pens, performs regular health checks, feeds cattle, maintains buildings and equipment and does record keeping.
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Top: Eric Mateske does all the farm chores and enjoys working with cattle the most. Middle: Katie supervises one of her student welders. Bottom: Kody Korb loves working with animals and hunting. He trains Walker dogs to hunt raccoons.
“I used to be very shy but through FFA,” says Kody. “I became more active and am now the Secretary of our Chapter.”
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“Through FFA activities, I gained knowledge about agriculture topics,” explains Eric, “learned leadership and speaking skills and made many new friends!”
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Eric plans to attend UW-River Falls, major in Agronomy and minor in beef or dairy production. Then, he wants to return to the family farm and implement his earned knowledge. KODY KORB Junior Kody Korb, son of Tom Korb and Tracy Towery, works on David Kohn’s farm near Markesan, where he performs chores for their hogs, Belgium horses, beef cattle and helps milk dairy cows. He also trains Walker dogs for raccoon hunting. Kody learned how to weld with MIG and Arc welders through Katie’s welding courses. On the farm, he welds wagons, skid loader buckets and other equipment. Upon graduation, he wants to attend technical college and learn heavy equipment operating.
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Top: Ciara Neeb & Tessa Roidt track the genetic traits of mice. Middle: Students involved in large/small animal projects learn how to give shots. Bottom: FFA experiences include traveling to different places and workshops. Montello FFA sent these members from grades 7- 11, to Sauk Prairie High School to attend the Sectional Leadership Workshop.
Page 22 Neighbors-February 2012
“We both learned a lot about the behavior of mice and the importance of keeping records. The mouse is a very intelligent and strong animal. It has been a great learning experience.”
Montello FFA Chapter’s website: https://sites.google.com/site/montelloffa/
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CIARA NEEB & TESSA ROIDT Sophomores Ciara Neeb, daughter of James and Cynthia Neeb, and Tessa Roid, daughter of Scott and Melynda Roid, both want to go into the medical field after graduation; Ciara as a pharmacist and Tessa as a psychologist. Their project is very unusual and involves raising mice and tracing their genetic traits. After raising two male and two female mice to six weeks old, the girls paired up couples. Ciara and Tessa will match up new couples from the first generations of both pairs. Then, they will document records and Punnet Squares of each resulting generation’s physical appearance and behavior.
APPRECIATION In closing, Katie Gerlach thanks the Montello School District, school board and community members for their ongoing support of Montello FFA programs and activities.
Top (Left to Right): Montello FFA students Lyncee Zuehls, Cassidy Thiede, Micheala Tollefson, Allison Foster, Althetha Hefco and Grace Sittig helped assist Marquette County Farm Bureau with Ag Day on the Farm at the Cummings farm in Westfield. Middle (Left to Right): Montello FFA members Desiree Madigan, Eric Streich, Isaiah Weiss, Mackenzie Troost, Brook Walker, Sam Corso, Laker Rathmell, Brandy Schonasky) attended the Wisconsin FFA’s Foundations in Reaching Excellence Conference in Madison. Bottom: Autumn Welke, Faye Welke and Arial Welke showed off the flower arrangements at the 11th annual FFA Flower Show.
Page 23 Neighbors-February 2012
Day Trips By Heather Kizewski & Ann Marie Worzalla
OVER THE RIVER & THROUGH THE WOODS
Fortunately, the weather was not frightful. It was a damp, chilly Friday with grey skies; perfect for a formal four-course tea luncheon. INTRODUCTION TO TEA I was in my early teens when my mom first introduced me to natural Celestial Seasonings teas. I was sold not just on the flavors, but also on the experience of tea. There is something soothing about teakettles and individually wrapped tea packets.
Top Left: From the menu to the exquisite table settings and elegant atmosphere, Johanna May’s embodies the fascinating world of tea appreciation. Below Right: Situated in a beautifully scenic and wooded residential area, this tea establishment “steeps” you in the traditions of loose-leaf tea perfection.
For over twenty years, as an adult, I over-stocked my cabinets with boxes upon boxes of various teas and tea drinking paraphernalia. Recently, Ann Marie began experiencing the pleasing refinements of the tea experience as well, making Johanna May’s Fine Teas an absolute must for a Day Trip.
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Welcome to Day Trips! Inspired by an authentic passion for travel, each month we share a unique adventure accomplished in one day; no overnight bags required. We are sisters-in-law from Stevens Point and Amherst, whose families are involved in potato farming. We are firmly entrenched in Central Wisconsin. For more than six years, we have ventured forth in search of unique destinations. It is amazing how far you do not have to go to experience the moments we often seek in faraway lands. We hope to spark your wheels into motion. You are only a day trip away!
Above: Sisters-in-law, Heather Kizewski (Left) & Ann Marie Worzalla (Right).
It would not have mattered if it were three or four hours away: when I first stumbled upon Johanna May’s Fine Teas website, I knew without hesitation where our next Day Trip would be. The teashop’s Weston location, only an hour away, made it especially appealing considering January road conditions can be rather unpredictable
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OUR CUP OF TEA Over the river and through the woods, sits the secluded cabin housing Johanna May’s Fine Teas, which seats up to twenty-five guests (reservations required). The stone path leading to the entrance gives the exterior a rustic storybook feel. Although we arrived an hour prior to our reserved time, our table was exquisitely set special for us with quaint teacups and beautiful linens covered in lace. A window view of birch trees, snow and rambunctious squirrels completed this setting; perfected by the soft classical music. TRADITIONS Carol, our server, explained how our tea experience would transpire as she brought out baskets containing tins of fragrant loose-leaf teas. She said we should choose two kinds while she set up our first sampling of Almond Cookie Green Tea, which tasted a bit like pistachio pudding.
Top Left: The table settings at Johanna May’s Fine Teas exude subdued refinement. Top Right: The outdoors around Johanna May’s cabin is reminiscent of a Northwoods' setting. Bottom: Tasteful décor and soft, classical music set the tone for gracious enjoyment of afternoon tea.
The atmosphere was inviting. I fell in love with the candle-lit warmer that accompanied our personal teapot.
The glass dish of sugar rocks made me feel like I was putting jewels in my teacup!
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Carol brought out four small dishes of our loose-leaf tea choices. She taught us how to prepare tea using the intricate gadgets provided and how long to steep them for the best flavor. Out of the five we sampled, our favorites were the Almond Cookie Green Tea, Wild Cherry Black and the Pineapple Himalayan. VICTORIAN LUNCH A gorgeous tier of ‘made from scratch’ gourmet sandwiches, teeny hors d'oeuvres and fresh fruit was set out in front of us. We did not know where to start.
The top tier had delicious cheesy black pepper scones with thinly sliced pears (which I thought were potatoes until I bit into them). This unusual combination of flavors and textures was alarmingly phenomenal. I was a bit hesitant when I looked at the bottom tier of cold chicken salad croissant sandwiches. Although I love croissants but I dislike cold chicken salad. I especially did not like seeing grapes and blackberries inside the chicken salad. Ann Marie was genuinely enthused, as though she could hardly wait. I told her I probably would not eat mine. Instead, I nibbled on the plump blackberries that garnished the bottom tier until I eventually convinced myself to give it a try. What a mistake it would have been to leave it! The texture of those fresh, perfect grapes and blackberries surprisingly complemented the tender chicken and creamy sauce. Combined with the flaky buttery croissant – really, it was beyond description. DESSERTS After the incredible sandwiches and beautiful fruit, Carol brought out lemon and blueberry scones along with lemon curd and cream. We assumed this was the ‘official dessert’ - it was tangy, sweet, creamy and delicious. You can imagine our shock when a small, refreshing dish of sorbet soon arrived. When Carol came back, she said she would bring our dessert next.
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Top: The property is close to the Eau Claire River, adding to its rustic charm. In nicer weather, you can stroll outside, sit and enjoy the sounds of the river lazily flowing past the property. Bottom: The teas are stored in tins in this stunning breakfront.
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We both thought we heard wrong and blinked our eyes in disbelief as she delivered another plate of tiny desserts such as white chocolate-covered strawberries, bite-sized cheese cakes, miniature oatmeal cookies with fruit filling and other rich treats that made us wish we were not full. We took small bites of each one and took the rest home with us. BABBLING RIVER Carol had mentioned to us before we left that the Eau Claire River was a stone’s throw away and pointed out that we could almost see it from our table. Before getting in the car to leave, I trekked through the snowy woods until I heard what sounded like babbling water. I felt like I was standing in the midst of a glittery greeting card and could only imagine what it might be like during the fall. LEIGH YAWKEY WOODSON ART MUSEUM Since we were already in Wausau and had some time to fill, we decided it would be nice to visit the Leigh Yawkee Woodson Art Museum in Wausau. The building alone is worth the visit. An impressive exterior opens up into a comfortable and spaciously beautiful interior with skillfully designed displays. The Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum features diverse exhibitions changing yearly, such as the internationally acclaimed Birds in Art, art of the natural world and other wide-ranging exhibitions reflecting various global cultures. Inside, we discovered several interesting pieces, some of which made us raise our eyebrows. Others were truly captivating and quite intriguing.
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Top: Six-foot whooping crane sculpture, Rites of Spring, by Ken Ullberg. Bottom: Even though the weather was cold and snowy covered the ground, the Woodson glowed like a gem, thanks to its handsome Tudor styling and stone facade.
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What we liked best was the stunning grounds, especially the outdoor sculpture garden. It was refreshingly pretty even in winter. There are regular programs for children such as Toddler Tuesday, Art Time for Tots, Art Buddies, Art Explorers, Foundations and Activity Guides. They are complete with storytelling, lectures, videos, demonstrations and bus trips. Be sure to check the hours on their website before making a trip so that you can plan accordingly. The admission is always free. FINAL REFLECTIONS It was no surprise that Johanna May’s Fine Teas exceeded our expectations. When I returned home and showed my eleven-year-old, tea-loving daughter the photos and videos, she asked if I could take her there for her birthday. Quoted from the owner, Katrina Isaacson, via her brochure, “I wanted Johanna May’s Fine Teas to be a place of communion for our souls. My hope was for the tea shop to be a destination for sharing, healing and celebration.” Johanna May’s was a lovely and graceful experience. This is not a place for ‘grabbing a quick bite’ as we spent several hours absorbing the atmosphere, food and learning the ‘ins and outs’ of tea drinking. Be sure to call ahead for reservations.
Top Left: Swifts by Andrew Wyeth. Middle Left: Unidentified horse sculpture in outdoor gardens. Bottom Left: A distinctive multi-medium sculpture inside the museum. Below: One of the staff at Johanna Mays Fine Teas gave us a warm welcome and guided us through our tea experience.
Page 28 Neighbors-February 2012
NO JOB TOO BIG
OR TOO SMALL!
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& WALKWAY PAVING ON-SITE PULVERIZING PAVEMENT REMOVAL & RECYCLING
(We can even recycle your existing driveway in place.)
ASPHALT REPAIR
James & Marilyn Benjamin 6817 Johnnies Lane Stevens Point, WI 54482
(715) 592-4775
Page 30 Neighbors-February 2012
STILL STANDING! CENTRAL WISCONSIN BARNS & BUILDINGS Photos & Article by Ruth Johnson, Editor
The true bones are what you see when you
photograph a barn silhouetted against a winter sky and anchored by a snow-encrusted landscape. This is particularly true if you capture the shot right after an ice storm, when frosty trees and electric wires accent their stark beauty. I love driving through Central Wisconsin’s rolling countryside with its extensive inventory of these stately monarchs, many of which still stand tall against the graying clouds. Even when these historic bastions show signs of disrepair, you can still appreciate the skilled workmanship and astute design sense embedded in their massive structures.
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Opposite Page: Cal & Joanne Dalton’s farm features an early 1900s Sears and Roebuck barn, still in operation. Above: True round barn with horizontal siding, cupola and metal conical roof remains in quite excellent condition on County Rd J, Stevens Point, about 1.4 miles south of US Hwy 10 E. Right: This massive barn and outbuildings sit on County Road M south of the fairgrounds in Westfield.
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Barn raising was once a celebrated effort in every rural community that used log construction to create timber-bent frames held together with mortise and tendons and hand-forged nails and hardware. Barns like Cal & Joanne Dalton’s Sears and Roebuck barn (pictured on Page 30), built in the 1900’s, were sold as kits with do-it yourself plans, pre-cut framing lumber, plank flooring, nails, roofing, windows, doors and sash and paint. CHARACTER Punctuating the sky with their steep gambrel or gothic roofs that make even experienced roofers step back and take a deep breath, Central Wisconsin barns are primarily rustic red, wintery white and bluish-gray hues.
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Top: This stately giant is Custer, on County Rd K, going north towards Polonia. Middle: An old red barn is tucked off the road on County Rd J just north of Hwy 66 in Ellis Township.
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Page 33 Neighbors-February 2012
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With the considerable snowfalls we get in our area, the sharp pitch of many barn roofs is vital since the weight of snow across their vast roof expanse can level a barn. From generation to generation, these barns have served as strong workhorses, housing livestock, equipment, hay, tools and many other necessities of daily farming. ROUND BARNS Promoted by agricultural stations and colleges in the 1880s, many Central Wisconsin farmers embraced round barns. Their circular layout was viewed to be more efficient due to its greater volume-to-surface ratios.
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Above: This rural monarch rests on Ed Hudziak’s farm in the Waupaca area. Right: Dominating the landscape, Central Wisconsin’s barns were once the pride of all farmsteads. This picturesque Marquette County relic was probably a dairy barn, full of activity every morning as the farmer and his sons tended to milking duties.
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Built with self-supporting roofs, they also offer further structural stability and increased storage space. A center silo was often added to the barn’s center, allowing gravity to move feed from the barn’s top level to the floor. Most of Wisconsin’s older round barns and other styles originated from eras when folks built first for practicality but also incorporated a superb eye for atheistic beauty. The early settlers took great pride in the design of their barns as well as the construction, which is the primary reason so many still stand today. For information on restoring or preserving barns, peruse programs and research from Wisconsin Historical Society, Wisconsin Trust for Historic Preservation and the Wisconsin Barn Preservation Program.
Above: Well-maintained barn on US Hwy 10, just east of Stevens Point. Middle: Grand round barn on Marquette County Fairgrounds in Westfield. Bottom: Traditional design, Cty Hwy J between Hwy 66 and 10th St, Custer.
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Page 36 Neighbors-February 2012
BARN DREAMS! Gazing up at these ancient beauties, we can only imagine the memories they hold. Many Wisconsinites toiled in these barns, stacking hay and caring for livestock while others played in the hay mounds. Pete Sanderson captured the sunset in the shade of the rambling Buza Barn on the Kizewski farm in Stockton, WI.